'Playing the champions is huge' - reaction

"Once you do the hard work, like the lads did last year, to fight their way into the Champions Cup, you want the big challenges and you want the big games," Bath coach Stuart Hooper told BBC Radio Bristol.

"So going to the champions Leinster and having the champions come back to our place is huge.

"History would suggest the best way to get through the group is to win your home games. We'll be looking to get teams to the Rec and beat them, and then get a couple of results away."

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said it would be "ridiculous" for his side not to chase European success in favour of regaining the Premiership title.

"We see ourselves as a strong side and we think we can compete on multiple fronts," he said.

"We're going to be really enthusiastic about Europe. We're not going to run away from challenges."

"It's a very difficult draw, but that is what you expect when you are playing against the best 19 other teams in Europe," added Dai Young, Wasps director of rugby.

"It's exciting to be drawn with the defending champions and Toulouse, who have also won the competition several times. They will be great match-ups.

"We've also had some really good games with Bath in recent seasons, including a double-header in Europe three seasons back. They will all be tough games."